Revised. I’ve recently refurbished a No. 4. When the roller carriage is in contact with the ink drum (hence the form roller clutch is engaged), there’s an awful squeaking sound. The front rider roller does roll, and the oscillating roller seems sort of sluggish. It’s difficult to gauge where the sound is coming from, but I think its either the form roller pins on the clutch plate or the front rider roller on the front form roller. This happens with or without ink. I’ve greased, oiled, or added graphite to everything. Any thoughts?
Your video iindicates that your clutch pins (MR-110) are worn down.They are available fron NA Graphics. The clutch plate may need to brazed. A local machinist should be able to do this. If not I can make a swap. I have been refurbishing them as new ones are no longer been made.
The oscillator has been recently disassembled and cleaned. I added vaseline after cleaning. I just dabbed Vaseline on the tie rods and it did eliminate some of the squeaking, but the front form roller still hardly moves, the oscillator starts and stops, and the front form roller does the same. I’m going to email you a video, Paul, hope that’s ok.
Thanks!
If the oscillator is sluggish you should disassemble and clean the worm gear and the crescent. Vaseline can combine with paper dust and other particulates to form a sludge. Lubricate worm and shaft on the opposite end of the oscillator tube after reassembly.
The squeak may emanate from the rider tie rod bushing. If you haven’t done so, can a dab of Vaseline to the tie rods.